9/8/13 BEGINNING OF JESUS' MINISTRY: Baptism

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beginning of Jesus’ ministry

Week 1: Baptism

September 8, 2013

Read MATTHEW 3:1-6 (NLT)

1 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”

4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

MATTHEW 3:11-17 (NLT)

11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Before Jesus began his ministry on Earth, John the Baptist had been telling people that the Messiah was coming. His message was one of repentance from sins and turning to God, and after people made that decision, he would baptize them in the Jordan River. Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John even though he had no sin to confess. After some prodding, John baptized Jesus—an act that was quickly followed by God’s announcement that Jesus was the Son of God.

As Christians, we believe that baptism is an outward symbol of an inner decision to follow Christ, but not a way into heaven. Baptism symbolizes that we acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son and God as the ruler of heaven and Earth and Lord over all. In addition, baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and the public announcement of a life change through belief in him.

Let’s see what important truths we can learn about baptism from this passage of Scripture.

1. Jesus modeled the importance of baptism

  • What people have been role models for you in your spiritual journey, and did you learn more through their words or their actions?
  • Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God—yet he chose to be baptized. How did Jesus’ decision validate John’s message and ministry?
  • Thinking about the idea of role models, what might Jesus’ baptism mean to you?

This Scripture reveals one of the first things we know about Jesus as an adult: He went to find John and get baptized by him. John was related to Jesus and was an interesting guy who made unusual food and fashion choices, but he was the first to begin telling others that the Messiah, Jesus, was coming, and to repent of their sins and be baptized. Jesus had no reservations about getting baptized by John. In fact, Jesus was validating what John was doing. Although Jesus was sinless and had nothing to confess, getting baptized showed others—and us—the importance of confessing our sins and choosing to follow Jesus as Lord.

2. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward decision

  • What are some of the biggest decisions you’ve made in your life? What images or symbols help you remember those decisions?
  • Why is confessing our sins an important step in our journey as followers of Christ?
  • Read Romans 6:1-4. Think about our earlier conversation about symbols—what does baptism symbolize to you?
  • The Apostle Paul talks in that passage about baptism representing Christ’s death and resurrection—what other symbols or imagery might you use to tell a friend about the significance of baptism?
  • Do you think baptism is required for having our sins forgiven and getting into heaven? Why or why not?

When people are baptized, it is a way of telling others that they are choosing to be identified as a person who follows Christ. Baptism doesn’t actually save us or cleanse us of our sins, but it’s a powerful way of saying that we’ve asked Jesus to do that work in our lives and to help us lead lives that honor him. It’s an outward act that reveals our decision to follow Christ.

3. Baptism celebrates Jesus as God and Savior

  • Why is it important to find ways to celebrate your faith in Jesus?
  • If you’ve been baptized, what was that experience like for you? Or if you’ve seen other people get baptized, how did people celebrate the event?
  • Look at Matthew 3:17. What does this verse reveal about God’s response to Jesus getting baptized? Do you think God responds similarly when you or I get baptized? Why or why not?

Baptism is an opportunity for celebration. We can celebrate our relationship with Jesus, we can celebrate God’s love, and other people can celebrate with us, too. Not only does it show our friends and family members that we are serious about our faith, but it also shows that we believe God is guiding our lives, that we have begun a friendship with Jesus, and that our sins are forgiven.

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION

  • How would you explain baptism to someone who knew nothing about it?

  • What questions do you still have about Jesus’ baptism?

  • Read Matthew 28:18-20. Why is baptism an important part of the adventure of sharing the message of Jesus with others and helping them become followers of Christ?

  • Read Acts 8:26-38. What does this passage reveal about the significance of baptism for a new follower of Christ?

APPLICATION

  • What are some specific ways this week that you can remember the gift that Jesus is to you and why you’re thankful for him and what he did for you?

  • If you haven’t been baptized, consider talking with your parents about when you could be baptized.

SUMMARY

Most people are familiar with the cross as a symbol of Christianity, and many people may even think of a baby in a manger or Christmas-themed images as symbols of our faith. But sometimes we overlook baptism as a symbol for those who are followers of Jesus. Today’s lesson helped us look at what the Bible says about baptism—including Jesus’ baptism—and why baptism is such a significant event and symbol.

FOR KEEPS [MEMORY VERSE]

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him (Matthew 3:16 NLT).

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